From the Rav’s Desk: 1) Checking Tzitzis in Mikveh; 2) Toiveling plastic cups and bottles; 3) Buying books using Maaser money

1. Question: [Tuesday, 19^th Mar Cheshvan, 5781]

May one check his Tzitzis inside the changing area of the mikvah where there are people who are undressed?

Answer:

Yes, not only is there no problem in checking one’s Tzitzis in a Mikveh but he must do so prior to wearing them the first time that day. Thus, one who slept with his Tallis Katan must check them to verify the validity prior to wearing them each day when he gets dressed after mikvah. If he wears a new Tallis Katan each day after mikvah then the same applies that it must be checked beforehand. Checking the Tzitzis is not a contradiction to the impurity of the mikvah, and the same way one can walk into a mikvah while wearing Tzitzis so too he may check them there for their ability. However, the Tallis Gadol which is customarily checked with the recital of verses of Scripture should only be done outside the Mikveh.

Sources: See here for more details of checking the Tzitzis: https://shulchanaruchharav.com/halacha/checking-tzitzis-prior-to-wearing/

2. Question: [Tuesday, 19^th Mar Cheshvan, 5781]

If I plan on using plastic disposable cups on a permanent basis until they break must I immerse them in the mikvah prior to using them?

Answer:

In my opinion, there is no need to tovel disposable plastic cups even if one plans to reuse them. The entire idea of immersing plastic is a Chumra, under debate. So by disposable, which as well contains many opinions which state that even metal does not require immersion even if one plans to keep it, then certainly there is no need to be stringent by plastic which one decides to keep.

Sources: See Igros Moshe 2:40 regarding that there is no need to immerse disposable vessels and the following opinions regarding that there is no need to immerse plastic Melamed Lehoil 2/49; Chelkas Yaakov 2/163; Chayeh Halevi 4/56-3; Tzitz Eliezer 7/37; Beir Moshe 2/53 that one should not be stringent to immerse it; Vayeishev Moshe 2/86-6; Mishneh Halachos 7/110; Divrei Chachamim p. 189 in name of Rav Elyashiv; Yabia Omer 4/8; Yechaveh Daas 3/60; Ohel Yaakov ibid in name of Rav Moshe Feinstein and Rav Henkin. Now while there are opposing views on both of the subjects, practically in this case one may be lenient

3. Question: [Tuesday, 19^th Mar Cheshvan, 5781]

May one use Maaser money to buy Torah books for me or for my children or my wife?

Answer:

Yes, you may purchase Torah books using maaser money if you would not be able to afford purchasing these Torah books otherwise and would thereby not by the books if you can’t use the Meiser money. If you do buy books from Maaser you should write in it that they were bought with Maaser money and you must also agree to lend them out to people if they ask and treat them as if they are by you in a public library and you are the librarian.

Sources: See Shach 249/3; Taz 249/1; Maharshal; Derisha 249/1; Maharam Menachem 459; Pischeiy Teshuvah 249/2; Likkutei Sichos 9/346; Toras Menachem 34/272 Hilchos Maaser Kesafim 15 Tzedaka Umishpat 6/9